ITD crews assist stranded crash victim

Barbara Popovich was visibly shaken and in need of help. Conditions couldn’t have been much worse.

The mountainous highway had turned from rain-soaked to slush-covered on Jan. 9. The pick-up truck she was driving and the horse trailer she was pulling went separate directions, but remained connected. A single horse was jostled inside the trailer, but also was uninjured.

And then there was the sight of a river rushing past at the bottom of a steep hill. Not much separated her truck, trailer and the icy river.

“It was the scariest few moments of my life with the drop-off into the river so close and a very real possibility that I would not be writing this letter … very real.”

More than a week after the harrowing ordeal on U.S. 12 near Lolo Pass, she wrote to ITD District 2 Engineer Jim Carpenter, expressing her appreciation for what may have been life-saving heroics by ITD maintenance workers.

“Two, actually three, men came to my assistance,” she wrote. “Miraculously, within moments, one was assessing the situation and my well being … He was willing to get me to the (maintenance) station to use a phone, since there was no cell service. He helped guide a private trucker around my trailer who was willing to pull my rig out of the ditch and get me back onto the road.

“The ITD driver again helped me and guided as I drove out. He informed me where I could pull off several miles back down the hill and said he would pick me up after he finished his ‘run’ and take me to the station.”

Popovich was referring to Ron Moss, a Transportation Technician Senior and lead worker operating out of the ITD's Powell Maintenance facility. A veteran of more than 13 years with the department, he helped Popovich contact the Idaho State Police so she could file an accident report. Although she expected the wait to be prolonged because of the remote location, an ISP officer arrived minutes later, enabling her to continue her journey to Butte, Mont.

“I don’t remember the names of the ITD (employee) who assisted me … I apologize if I have not acknowledged the correct names, but I certainly remember their warmth, friendliness and professionalism,” she wrote. The response team also included commercial truck drivers Cliff Reed and Tom Hendren, who generously offered their assistance.

“Drivers are guilty of taking the services of state departments of transportation for granted. A moment of crisis can reaffirm genuine goals, whether a department or as an individual. I commend ITD for your service and compassion. Thank you,” Popovich wrote.

Published 2-22-13